Introduction
The La Liga is back into action this weekend after a long international break aiming to make a blockbuster return to kick-start the new season. Atletico Madrid will start the new season as the defending champions heading into a much more competitive edition than the previous one. Real Madrid, the 2019-20 LaLiga winners, travel to Estadio de Mendizorrozza to recommence their pursuit of the 35th La Liga crown on Saturday night against Alaves. The Los Blancos are fresh from the arrival of star Austrian defender David Alaba and counting days to have Mbappe. They will look to start their campaign under new coach Carlo Ancelotti in style with a convincing win against Alaves. Much has changed in the Madrid squad from last season with the departures of captain Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane. Zinedine Zidane also left the team right after the season finished last year. They would want to regroup quickly without their services and need to find the perfect winning combination shortly.
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Alaves, on the other hand, did enough to be in the Spanish top flight after finishing at the 16thspot last year. They are an exciting team with some quality players who on their day can take the game away from the opposition. It remains to be seen whether they can improve their overall performance from their last season and finish in the top10. For now, we have a very interesting match to begin this season of the La Liga in a fantastic style. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 1:30 IST or 20:00 GMT.
Why should you watch it?
Real Madrid vs Alaves is going to be a good contest to kick start their league campaign. Alaves has won 2 of their last 6 fixtures against Real, which has similar wins to their last 26 matches against them (W2 D2 L22). El Glorioso has won one of their last seven season openers, that win came against Levante at home in August 2019. Last Season, Alaves won four out of the last nine league games, just one win short of previous records before Calleja took charge. Calleja has won one in his last 5 meetings against Real Madrid.
On the Los Blancos’ side, they are undefeated in the last 18 games in LaLiga, their best run in the competition. Real hasn’t been defeated in opening games since August 2008, where Deportivo de La Coruna defeated them at Riazor 1-2. They have 8 wins and 4 draws in season openers with a clean sheet in all of them. Real Madrid has won 75% of away games against Alaves, second-highest numbers against the team they have faced away from home at least 15 times.
Team Glance
Alaves
Alaves will play their 10th game under the management of Callejo, who was appointed after Abelardo was sacked on April 5th. This team has a specialty in short playmaking creativity and can make plays through the defense in quick succession. Callejo needs to nurture some of his best players today, or else the situation might go haywire. Alaves, as a whole team, must have every plans possible for the Whites, as they might confirm their win to start their season. Their defense is experienced, with Duarte and Lejuene in the defensive line. Pellistri will be a secret player for Alaves as he returned for Manchester United after re-signing. Joselu is their key player in matters of scoring goals and keeping a healthy scoresheet.
Form: LWLWW
Predicted XI: – 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: – Pacheco.
Defense: – Navarro, Laguardia, Lejuene, Duarte.
Midfield: – Mendez, Battaglia, Pina.
Attack: – Rioja, Joselu, Perez.
Players to watch out for
Joselu
Joselu has reached the level of elite strikers in La Liga, as he has a good record against Real Madrid by scoring 5 in 6 LaLiga games against Real Madrid. His decisive shots are capable of deceiving a keeper and might lead the ball to the back of the net. Joselu is the player to watch out for Madrid’s defense.
Pacheco
This Keeper has been an integral part of the squad since its arrival. He has a decent overall record but he can stop any shots made after a very clinical attacking play. He might not be the better keeper amongst the two sides, still has an impact on the game.
Real Madrid
Los Blancos are ready to make this season worth it as they lost out on the title last season by just 2 points to Atletico de Madrid. As Carlo Ancelotti is back with his second spell as a Real Madrid manager, he has to give his utmost to adjust with his squad. His LaLiga record is great, with 75% wins, second after Jose Mourinho’s 76% record. Ancelotti has felt a bit of pressure, with injuries at Pre-Season, including big names of Toni Kroos and Marcelo. Also, the Pre-Season wasn’t at all good, with a 2-1 defeat against the Rangers and a goalless draw vs AC Milan. Carlo has a big task against him, to encourage and regroup the team, with every aspect including Fitness. Karim Benzema will be their key player over this whole season, with their overall best midfield. We can hope for a better game from them.
Form: – WWWLD
Predicted XI: – 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: – Courtois
Defense: – Carvajal, Alaba, Nacho, Mendy.
Midfield: – Modric, Casemiro, Fede.
Attack: – Bale, Benzema, Hazard.
Player to watch out for
Karim Benzema
The man on a mission to give his best to score at every game for Real Madrid is Benzema. His all-around play development and supporting the midfielders are very well noted. He can score from any angle and from the spaces of defense with ease. He is a very important player for Real Madrid today.
Luka Modric
The managing fine as wine, Luka Modric is the key midfielder for Blancos in aspects of Creativity. His decisively quick feet and dribbling through the midfield are always special. He loves hitting long-range goals and will do the same at chances.
Conclusion
In every respect, this fixture is going to be enthralling and enticing with both teams fighting for a win. Real Madrid would want to perfectly start the season with a win. Last season, they have gone trophy less and this year would be the one to prove themselves out. No wonder that the Los Blancos would certainly give their level best to regain European as well as domestic glory. Alaves will also be aiming to offer staunch resistance to the European heavyweights and snatch a win against them. They are a promising side and can upset big oppositions if they tick all the right boxes. A very fascinating match is now up on the cards for the fans to witness La Liga restarting again. We hope that the best team might win and it gives enjoyment to each and every one.
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